Home Maintenance Checklist by Season: What to Do in Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter

Homes rarely fail all at once. Usually it's small things left a little too long: a clogged gutter, a dryer vent full of lint, a filter that hasn't been changed since last year. A simple seasonal routine catches most of those before they become expensive.

This checklist is organized by season, with a short list of monthly checks at the top. Not every task applies to every home. Skip what doesn't fit, add what's specific to yours, and always defer to your manufacturer's instructions and local codes. When something involves gas, electrical panels, roofs or anything you're unsure about, hire a licensed professional.

Monthly checks (10 minutes)

These are quick and they're mostly about safety:

• Test smoke alarms. The U.S. Fire Administration's smoke alarm guidance says to test alarms monthly, replace 9-volt batteries at least once a year, and replace the whole alarm every 10 years. NFPA's smoke alarm resources cover placement and testing too.
• Test carbon monoxide alarms if you have fuel-burning appliances or an attached garage, following the manufacturer's instructions.
• Check your HVAC filter. ENERGY STAR suggests checking the filter every month, especially during heavy-use seasons, and changing it at least every three months.
• Clean the dryer lint filter every load. The U.S. Fire Administration's dryer safety flyer recommends cleaning it before and after each cycle.
• Look under sinks for drips or moisture.
• Run water and flush toilets in rarely used bathrooms to keep drain traps from drying out.

A pack of HVAC air filters in your size on the shelf makes the filter change a 30-second job instead of a trip to the store.

Spring checklist

Spring is for recovering from winter and getting ready for heavy rain and heat.

Outside

• Walk around the house and look for damage from winter: loose shingles you can see from the ground, cracked siding, peeling paint.
• Clean gutters and downspouts, and make sure downspouts carry water away from the foundation.
• Check the grading around the foundation; soil should slope away from the house.
• Inspect outdoor faucets and hoses for freeze damage.
• Service the lawn mower: clean it, check the blade, and change oil if it's a gas mower.
• Check window and door screens for holes.

Inside

• Schedule air conditioning maintenance before the first hot spell; many contractors get busy once summer arrives.
• Deep-clean or replace kitchen exhaust fan filters.
• Check caulk around tubs, showers and sinks; re-caulk gaps.
• Test the sump pump (if you have one) by pouring water into the pit.
• Look in the attic (from a safe spot) for signs of leaks or pests.

Summer checklist

Summer is a good time for outdoor projects and for staying ahead of humidity.

Outside

• Trim trees and shrubs away from the house, roof and HVAC unit.
• Keep the outdoor AC unit clear of leaves, grass clippings and debris.
• Inspect decks and fences for loose boards, popped nails and splintering; clean and seal as needed.
• Check for wasp nests under eaves and around play equipment.
• Wash windows and clean window wells.

Inside

• Watch for condensation and musty smells in basements and bathrooms. Run exhaust fans or a dehumidifier if needed.
• Clean ceiling fan blades and set fans to run counterclockwise (in most fans, this pushes air down for a cooling breeze).
• Clean the refrigerator coils per your manual's instructions.
• Check grout and tile in bathrooms and kitchens.

Fall checklist

Fall is arguably the most important season, because it prepares the house for cold weather.

Outside

• Clean gutters again after leaves fall.
• Disconnect, drain and store garden hoses. Shut off and drain exterior faucets if your home doesn't have frost-free spigots.
• Winterize irrigation systems.
• Seal gaps around windows, doors and where pipes or wires enter the house.
• Check the roof from the ground with binoculars for missing or damaged shingles.
• Clean and store outdoor furniture.

Inside

• Schedule heating system maintenance before the first cold night.
• Have chimneys and fuel-burning appliances inspected if you use them. Ready.gov's home fire guidance includes heating safety basics, like keeping anything that can burn at least three feet from portable heaters.
• Clean the dryer vent duct and check that the outside flap opens freely when the dryer runs (also recommended in the dryer safety flyer).
• Reverse ceiling fans to run clockwise on low, which gently pushes warm air down from the ceiling.
• Replace weatherstripping that's cracked or flattened.
• Test radon if you haven't recently. The EPA's radon page explains why testing is the only way to know your radon level and where to find a test kit.

Winter checklist

Winter is mostly about watching for problems and doing indoor tasks.

Outside

• Keep walkways and steps clear of ice.
• Watch for ice dams along the roof edge after snow. Persistent ice dams can be a sign of attic insulation or ventilation issues worth getting checked.
• Keep vents for furnaces, water heaters and dryers clear of snow.
• Brush heavy snow off shrubs to prevent breakage.

Inside

• Know where your main water shutoff is, and make sure everyone in the house can find it.
• Protect pipes in unheated spaces; on very cold nights, opening cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls can help.
• Check the water heater area for leaks or rust. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations for draining or flushing.
• Inspect and organize the basement, garage and storage areas.
• Update your home inventory with photos of new purchases from the holidays.

Renters: what's on your list?

If you rent, your landlord typically handles major systems, but these are still worth doing:

• Test smoke and CO alarms monthly and report any that fail.
• Change HVAC filters if your lease makes that your job.
• Clean the dryer lint filter every load.
• Report leaks, mold or pests promptly, in writing, and keep a copy.
• Take dated photos when you move in and out.

Keep a maintenance log

The best maintenance habit isn't any single task. It's writing down what you did and when. A maintenance log helps you:

• Remember when you last changed the filter or serviced the furnace
• Track contractor names, phone numbers and what they charged
• Keep model and serial numbers for appliances in one place for repairs and recalls
• Show buyers a record of care if you sell the home

Our Home Maintenance Log has seasonal checklists, a service record page, an appliance list and a contractor directory. Pair it with our Home Inventory to document belongings for insurance purposes.

Budgeting for maintenance

Maintenance and repairs are one of the classic irregular expenses. Rather than being surprised by a water heater or roof repair, consider a dedicated home maintenance sinking fund that you add to every month. Our sinking funds guide shows how to set the amount.

Quick reference: by season

Quick-start checklist

• Put monthly alarm tests and filter checks on your calendar
• Find your main water shutoff and electrical panel
• Stock spare HVAC filters in the right size
• Book seasonal HVAC service before peak season
• Clean gutters in spring and after leaves fall
• Drain outdoor faucets and hoses before the first freeze
• Clean the dryer vent duct once a year
• Record every task and contractor in a maintenance log

This checklist is general guidance. Always follow manufacturer instructions and local codes, and hire licensed professionals for gas, electrical, roofing and structural work.